Haringey’s parks have been judged to be among the best in the country after retaining a sought-after award.

All of the borough’s 22 parks were given green flag ratings – showing they are well-managed, clean and safe – by Keep Britain Tidy in its 2019 awards round.

Alexandra Palace Park, Highgate Wood and Tottenham Marshes will also continue to fly the green flag this year.

Haringey Council mounted a clean-up effort after mystery shopper visits by Keep Britain Tidy at the end of last year uncovered a range of problems with several parks.

Five parks were given red ratings by the charity, meaning it had “major concerns” about their upkeep.

Another ten were rated amber, meaning inspectors had “some concerns” about their state, while only three were rated green, signalling they had no concerns.

An inspection visit by Keep Britain Tidy deemed Finsbury Park to be “far below the standards even the most understanding of the general public should be demanding”.

In response to the poor ratings, Haringey Council worked with Keep Britain Tidy and community organisations to bring the parks back up to standard.

Cllr Kirsten Hearn, cabinet member for climate change and sustainability, said she was “absolutely thrilled that Haringey remains one of the top places in London and the UK for beautiful parks and open spaces”.

She added: “This year has not been without its challenges, but staff have worked tirelessly to ensure these parks remain some of the best in the country.

“I would encourage all of our communities to get out and make the most of these amazing parks right on your doorstep.”

The green flag scheme sets the benchmark standard for the management of outdoor recreational spaces in the UK.

A record number of green spaces – 1,970 – were awarded green flags this year, which chief executive Allison Ogden-Newton said was “testament to the hard work and innovation displayed by many local authorities”.

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